Post by magenta on Apr 26, 2008 16:59:41 GMT 1
Paranormal Investigation Tips & Equipment Information
Digital camcorder with Night Vision
Digital camcorders are great for recording orbs and light anomalies and any other strange events. Ideally your camcorder should have night vision or super night vision, a built in light and a microphone. We have found that digital camcorders from the Sony Handycam range are ideal. Always carry a spare battery and plenty of tapes for your camcorder when out on an investigation. A tripod is also recommended.
EMF Meter
EMF meters detect the electro-magnetic fields oftentimes associated with ghosts and haunting activity. But, don't be fooled into thinking that EMF's are exclusive to the paranormal. First, before you run screaming "GHOST!", the possibility of an electrical source must be ruled out. Appliances, televisions, digital alarm clocks, power lines, etc. all emit EMF's while in use. To get a feel for your EMF meter, we suggest you begin by scanning your home. Put it close to the T.V. set while it is both on and off. When you get a reading, scan to see actually how far the EMF extends away from the set itself.
When scanning for ghosts, don't just hold the device in your hand. Put your detector into the area you wish to scan. Be sure to scan headstones, chairs, couches and other sitting surfaces, corners, closets and anywhere you think a ghost might go. Move your meter in all directions while scanning. For example, don't simply put it in a closet momentarily, scan the closet top to bottom, left to right.
Digital/Analogue Voice recorder
Use of a digital voice recorder is recommended. If using analogue equipment, try and use a recording device that has a microphone separate from the case. Microphones that are in-frame tend to record noise generated from internal motors and turning wheels. A detached mic will significantly minimize this type of unwanted noise. Place your recorder in an area where haunting activity is suspected to occur and when no people will be present during recording.
Infrared Thermometer
If you intend to take temperature readings at an investigation, consider a digital thermometer. Not only do they keep a memory of the highest and lowest monitored temperatures, most come equipped with alarms and take measurements several times a minute. The alarm feature is especially helpful in letting you know when sudden and drastic changes occur and allows you the convenience to focus your attention elsewhere. A more expensive option for instant temperature measurements are the new infrared laser scanners. A point-and-shoot device that detects temperature differences using infrared technology.
Torches
There is no doubt that your investigations will sometimes include dark foreboding places. Cemeteries, old buildings (without electricity), battlefields and the like will all require a portable light source.
Compass
If you cannot afford an EMF meter initially, you can use a compass to detect magnetic fields. A ghostly anomaly will usually tilt the needle at least 30 degrees off Magnetic North. Again, be sure to rule out a possible electrical source.
Infra Red Motion Sensor
Try leaving an Infra Red Motion Sensor in an area where there is suspected activity. This will quickly alert you to any movement detected in that area allowing you to get there fast to investigate. Be sure that everyone attanding the investigation knows the location of the sensor to prevent accidental activation.
Trigger Objects
Try using trigger objects in areas where there has been reports of things being moved. Lay down a piece of paper, select an object ( ornament, wooden cross etc), lay the object on the piece of paper and accurately draw round it with a pen. Leave the area alone for a while and then return to see if the object has moved. Be sure to alert everyone on the investigation to the whereabouts of any trigger objects to avoid accidental movement of the object. You can also use an Infra Red Motion Sensor in conjustion with the trigger object, this will alert you to any movement. Try taking photographs of the object before you leave, and then again when you return.
Two Way Radios
Two Way Radios are recommended if the investigation involves splitting in to teams. This way you can easily communicate with the other team. Scan the channels to ensure that your are not encroaching on any other radio users in your local area. Check that all radios are communicating on the same channel before commencing.
Note Pad
It is wise to record your experiences at an investigation. With a pad and pen you no longer need to rely on the faulty human memory. A good alternative to a note pad is a compact personal recorder to save you valuable time. Time normally spent writing.
Batteries
Often batteries mysteriously lose their charge at an investigation. We recommend you bring at least one extra set of batteries for each piece of equipment that requires them.
Survey the area
It is wise to survey the area in which you will be conducting your investigation. Familiarize yourself with the environment and possible hazards during daylight hours.
Early arrival
Allow yourself some extra time to spend on site, before the investigation. This provides ghosts the chance to familiarize themselves with you.
Trespassing
Before you embark on any investigation, be sure you are not trespassing on private property. Trying to explain to a police officer that you are doing research holds no weight whatsoever. Telling him you are hunting for ghosts will only give him a story to tell his fellow officers. Additionally, the consequences could be more than expected. Fine and/or imprisonment, a criminal record and worse--damage to your organization's reputation--could put you out of commission for a while. Always get permission before entering private property. Either have the owner with you as an escort or have them sign a contract granting permission. Protect yourself--protect your organization--protect other ghost hunters. What you do reflects on us all.
When investigating haunted house's the best advice in my opinion is to take simple but effective equipment rather than elaborate and sophisticated equipment,and your first requirement and that cost nothing at all would be to train yourself to be observant at all times.
Good Luck!!!!
Digital camcorder with Night Vision
Digital camcorders are great for recording orbs and light anomalies and any other strange events. Ideally your camcorder should have night vision or super night vision, a built in light and a microphone. We have found that digital camcorders from the Sony Handycam range are ideal. Always carry a spare battery and plenty of tapes for your camcorder when out on an investigation. A tripod is also recommended.
EMF Meter
EMF meters detect the electro-magnetic fields oftentimes associated with ghosts and haunting activity. But, don't be fooled into thinking that EMF's are exclusive to the paranormal. First, before you run screaming "GHOST!", the possibility of an electrical source must be ruled out. Appliances, televisions, digital alarm clocks, power lines, etc. all emit EMF's while in use. To get a feel for your EMF meter, we suggest you begin by scanning your home. Put it close to the T.V. set while it is both on and off. When you get a reading, scan to see actually how far the EMF extends away from the set itself.
When scanning for ghosts, don't just hold the device in your hand. Put your detector into the area you wish to scan. Be sure to scan headstones, chairs, couches and other sitting surfaces, corners, closets and anywhere you think a ghost might go. Move your meter in all directions while scanning. For example, don't simply put it in a closet momentarily, scan the closet top to bottom, left to right.
Digital/Analogue Voice recorder
Use of a digital voice recorder is recommended. If using analogue equipment, try and use a recording device that has a microphone separate from the case. Microphones that are in-frame tend to record noise generated from internal motors and turning wheels. A detached mic will significantly minimize this type of unwanted noise. Place your recorder in an area where haunting activity is suspected to occur and when no people will be present during recording.
Infrared Thermometer
If you intend to take temperature readings at an investigation, consider a digital thermometer. Not only do they keep a memory of the highest and lowest monitored temperatures, most come equipped with alarms and take measurements several times a minute. The alarm feature is especially helpful in letting you know when sudden and drastic changes occur and allows you the convenience to focus your attention elsewhere. A more expensive option for instant temperature measurements are the new infrared laser scanners. A point-and-shoot device that detects temperature differences using infrared technology.
Torches
There is no doubt that your investigations will sometimes include dark foreboding places. Cemeteries, old buildings (without electricity), battlefields and the like will all require a portable light source.
Compass
If you cannot afford an EMF meter initially, you can use a compass to detect magnetic fields. A ghostly anomaly will usually tilt the needle at least 30 degrees off Magnetic North. Again, be sure to rule out a possible electrical source.
Infra Red Motion Sensor
Try leaving an Infra Red Motion Sensor in an area where there is suspected activity. This will quickly alert you to any movement detected in that area allowing you to get there fast to investigate. Be sure that everyone attanding the investigation knows the location of the sensor to prevent accidental activation.
Trigger Objects
Try using trigger objects in areas where there has been reports of things being moved. Lay down a piece of paper, select an object ( ornament, wooden cross etc), lay the object on the piece of paper and accurately draw round it with a pen. Leave the area alone for a while and then return to see if the object has moved. Be sure to alert everyone on the investigation to the whereabouts of any trigger objects to avoid accidental movement of the object. You can also use an Infra Red Motion Sensor in conjustion with the trigger object, this will alert you to any movement. Try taking photographs of the object before you leave, and then again when you return.
Two Way Radios
Two Way Radios are recommended if the investigation involves splitting in to teams. This way you can easily communicate with the other team. Scan the channels to ensure that your are not encroaching on any other radio users in your local area. Check that all radios are communicating on the same channel before commencing.
Note Pad
It is wise to record your experiences at an investigation. With a pad and pen you no longer need to rely on the faulty human memory. A good alternative to a note pad is a compact personal recorder to save you valuable time. Time normally spent writing.
Batteries
Often batteries mysteriously lose their charge at an investigation. We recommend you bring at least one extra set of batteries for each piece of equipment that requires them.
Survey the area
It is wise to survey the area in which you will be conducting your investigation. Familiarize yourself with the environment and possible hazards during daylight hours.
Early arrival
Allow yourself some extra time to spend on site, before the investigation. This provides ghosts the chance to familiarize themselves with you.
Trespassing
Before you embark on any investigation, be sure you are not trespassing on private property. Trying to explain to a police officer that you are doing research holds no weight whatsoever. Telling him you are hunting for ghosts will only give him a story to tell his fellow officers. Additionally, the consequences could be more than expected. Fine and/or imprisonment, a criminal record and worse--damage to your organization's reputation--could put you out of commission for a while. Always get permission before entering private property. Either have the owner with you as an escort or have them sign a contract granting permission. Protect yourself--protect your organization--protect other ghost hunters. What you do reflects on us all.
When investigating haunted house's the best advice in my opinion is to take simple but effective equipment rather than elaborate and sophisticated equipment,and your first requirement and that cost nothing at all would be to train yourself to be observant at all times.
Good Luck!!!!